Agenda item

To consider information from the following organisations in relation to this scrutiny topic:

 

·         Business Forums / Groups

·         SBC Adults, Health and Wellbeing

The fifth evidence-gathering session for the Committee’s ongoing review of Welcoming and Safe Town Centres considered views on this scrutiny topic from local business forums / groups, as well as further information from the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC) Adults, Health and Wellbeing directorate.

 

BUSINESS FORUMS / GROUPS

 

The lead representatives of established business groups in Norton, Stockton, and Yarm had been approached to seek responses on town centre environments (note: the Committee had been previously advised that there were no such arrangements in Billingham, Ingleby Barwick, and Thornaby).  Received submissions were considered as follows:

 

·         Stockton Business Improvement District (BID): The Manager of Stockton BID was in attendance and gave a summary of its responses to the Committee’s lines of enquiry.  With reference to a prepared report which reflected on the current challenges and shared the progress Stockton BID had made in creating a vibrant, thriving Stockton town centre, attention was drawn to the following:

 

o   Challenges: Reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB), theft, and public nuisance remained persistent issues in Stockton town centre (people sleeping rough was also raised).  Businesses frequently shared concerns about individuals living with addiction using public spaces inappropriately, leaving needles, and engaging in disruptive behaviour.  These incidents negatively impacted public perception, creating a sense of unease for visitors and affecting footfall.

 

In 2024 alone, Stockton BID recorded 651 incidents (including shoplifting and theft), with hotspots such as Wellington Square seeing repeated high-value losses.  Violence, though less frequent, remained a concern, with 2.92% of incidents involving physical assaults on staff.  These issues directly affected the morale of business owners and employees, further compounding the challenge of creating a welcoming environment.

 

o   Initiatives to address safety: Enforcement officers played a critical role in maintaining order and cleanliness within the town centre.  Despite facing significant adversity, they worked tirelessly to address ASB, littering, fly-tipping, and the ongoing challenge of illegal parking (particularly around Dovecote Street).  Their efforts were vital in creating a safer, more organised environment for visitors and businesses alike.

 

Significant strides had been made through the introduction of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).  By implementing the SentrySiS reporting system, businesses were now able to efficiently log incidents, creating a centralised approach to tackling crime.  Additionally, over 20 radios had been distributed to businesses, improving communication and real-time response to issues.  To support night-time economy businesses, Stockton BID had funded their membership to the ‘Shop Watch’ scheme, ensuring they had the tools they needed to operate safely.

 

Initially, the rollout of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) brought a noticeable improvement, but long-term solutions were essential.  Stockton BID emphasised compassionate approaches to addressing addiction-related behaviours, advocating for strategies that go beyond enforcement and work towards integration and support.

 

In partnership with funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Cleveland, Stockton BID launched the ‘Street Angels’ initiative.  This program provided on-the-ground support to individuals in the town centre, enhancing safety while fostering a sense of community care.  The Street Angels not only assisted in immediate safety concerns, but also acted as a welcoming presence for visitors.

 

o   Insights from the SentrySiS report: A total of 651 incidents were recorded in 2024, covering a range of issues including theft (121 instances of shoplifting), ASB, and aggressive behaviour.  However, only 3.1% of incidents involved police intervention, highlighting the burden placed on businesses and local systems.  Peaks in incidents occurred between March and May (the highest monthly total of 140 in May), with Wellington Square remaining a focal point for safety concerns, accounting for the majority of high-value theft and aggressive behaviour reports.  Businesses experienced over £10,000 in losses due to unrecovered thefts (this was more keenly felt by independent traders).

 

332 individual offenders were added to the database in 2024 (a level which gave rise to negative perceptions of the town centre), with 223 identified as male and 93 as female.  A significant proportion of offenders remained of unknown age, indicating gaps in profiling and potential challenges in targeted interventions.  It was noted that SentrySiS could be further enhanced by the police allowing integration into their own systems – this would mean that reports could immediately be turned into crime records and that an incident would only need to be reported once (as in other areas such as Durham, where this had been successfully rolled out).

 

o   Positive developments in Stockton Town Centre: Independent businesses remained a cornerstone of the town’s economy (with many showing consistent growth and success), and their unique offerings enhanced the town’s appeal and created a sense of community pride.  The town had also previously hosted regular vibrant events and festivals that brought colour, art and culture to Stockton (these not only boost footfall, but also fostered a sense of community and celebration) – however, recent times had seen a reduction in the programme to the extent that Stockton no longer felt like an event town.

 

The ongoing regeneration work was transforming the town centre, making it an even more attractive and functional space for visitors, businesses and residents alike.  These projects demonstrated a commitment to Stockton’s future and its role as a thriving hub of activity.  That said, it was important that partners got a handle on ASB before the riverside development was completed, as it was vital to ensure this space was open to, and used by, all.

 

o   Working with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council: Stockton BID was proud of its collaborative relationship with SBC.  Together, it had implemented critical safety measures such as enhanced CCTV coverage and enforcement actions.  However, challenges remained, particularly around resource limitations and securing funding to tackle systemic issues like addiction and negative public perception.

 

o   Looking ahead – recommendations: Several actions to create a truly welcoming and safe Stockton town centre were proposed which focused on expanding crime prevention efforts, promoting compassionate solutions, boosting public perception, and securing strategic funding.

 

Thanking the Stockton BID Manager for his response, Members directed their initial questions towards the SentrySiS report data.  Referencing the 3.1% of incidents which led to intervention by the police, the Committee asked if this was due to cases not being reported to the force or a lack of a police response.  It was explained that businesses could indeed log incidents via SentrySiS which the police might not subsequently see, and that there was a need to link this system with police records to give a fairer reflection of what was going on in Stockton town centre.  On a more general point, it was felt that when it came to the theft of products, the force was reluctant to send out officers (the recent decision to move the Chief Inspector of Stockton Neighbourhood Policing Team to another area was seen as a significant loss).

 

Continuing with the 2024 recorded incidents, the Committee asked if the totals included figures from the Cleveland Online Policing App (COPA) – Members were subsequently informed that, whilst a valuable tool, COPA data was not included within the SentrySiS numbers.  To gain further knowledge of the SentrySiS system, Stockton BID was more than happy to educate any Councillors who wanted to understand how it worked and what it involved.

 

Noting their awareness of some of the known offenders around Stockton town centre, the Committee drew attention to the often-lengthy delay between an individual being arrested and getting that case to court, a situation which appeared to be emboldening certain perpetrators of crime / ASB.  Members observed that there was little point having robust reporting systems and enforcement if cases were not dealt with in a timely / efficient manner.  Highlighting a York initiative which involved a ‘three strikes and out’ approach to town centre offending, Stockton BID stated that, ultimately, an increased police presence would be the biggest deterrent.

 

The Committee queried how the impact of crime / ASB on footfall was measured.  In response, Members heard that it was difficult to get an exact picture of how incidents affected the willingness of people to use town centre spaces, and that much was relayed anecdotally rather than through hard data.  That said, Stockton BID was able to get a sense of this impact when talking to traders, and a key gauge would be how many new businesses came into the location.  There was often a lot of talk about investment into Stockton town centre, but the numbers of lost businesses were not high, and the area was in a better position than many other towns across the region / country.

 

Discussion ensued on the language employed by some to describe certain town centre users.  Stockton BID felt that labelling individuals as ‘smackheads’ or ‘druggies’ was not helpful, and emphasised the need to avoid the blanket exclusion of those involved in substance misuse from the public realm (though acknowledged there were times when a banning order may be appropriate) and the provision of support services that can work with individuals to make a positive difference in their lives (enabling them to be more accepted within the community).  With this in mind, the Committee asked if businesses were spoken to about how these individuals were viewed and whether such language (if used) was challenged.  Stockton BID confirmed its engagement with traders in this regard, but also noted that these people were often seen as a threat and endangering livelihoods as a result of lost earnings / stock.  Positivity amongst businesses within Stockton town centre was generally high, though.

 

Referencing the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in 2023 covering Stockton (and Norton) town centre, Members sought views on its impact.  The Committee heard that there was tangible positivity about its implementation in the early stages and that it was making a difference.   However, as time had gone on, its effectiveness had reduced, with more new faces appearing in the town centre who officers did not have the same level of relationship with in order to manage situations as well.

 

Reflecting on the earlier observations around the reduction in events being held in and around Stockton town centre, the Committee queried if any research had been undertaken on the positive impacts on businesses of Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF), fireworks, etc.  Stockton BID directed Members to Council officers who may have such analysis on larger-scale undertakings, though also emphasised the importance of smaller events which still aided local traders (engaging with businesses during these times was vital).  In addition, creating a programme of more specialised markets seemed the right approach given Stockton’s status as a market town.

 

The Committee questioned if there could be better promotion of independent businesses across the Borough.  Members were informed that Council officers had put in place regular meetings with key business personnel – it was expected this would improve communications.  Stockton BID recognised that raising awareness of the local business offer was not necessarily a Council responsibility and that a separate channel / medium may be required.  Indeed, everyone within the Borough could be an advocate for the town centre, and there was a need to be collectively better at promoting these spaces which would also assist in countering negative perceptions.

 

Finally, Stockton BID was asked if it worked with other business forums / groups across the Borough.  It was confirmed that dialogue did exist around partnerships to tackle crime / ASB, but that any formal assistance may incur a charge.  It was also felt that establishing a Billingham BID focusing on the night-time / leisure offer within that town centre space could bring benefits. 

 

·         Yarm Business Forum: A written response to the Committee’s lines of enquiry was submitted by the Manager of Yarm Business Forum.  With supporting comments from the SBC Assistant Town Centres Development Officer (who worked closely with the forum), this covered:

 

o   Main issues regarding the Yarm town centre environment: Several elements were outlined to make Yarm more welcoming and easier to visit, including more visibility of enforcement and / or Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) during daytime to deter shoplifting and begging, better signage to Yarm from main roads and for its parking options (also ensuring car park payment machines were reliable), improved information about local amenities, and better floral displays (the number of which were halved this year due to reduced Yarm Town Council funding).  From a business-specific perspective, clearer information regarding begging and homeless issues / action planning (including contact details for enforcement), as well as on mess and littering (e.g. Care For Your Area contacts) was desired.

 

o   Yarm Business Forum’s relationship with SBC: The relationship with SBC was good, particularly through the Council’s High Street representative.  However, communication with SBC as a whole (with the exception of the SBC Assistant Town Centres Development Officer) had reduced in the last 18 months and could be improved.  There had been no update on the High Street improvement project and no consultation on parking charges.  An annual meeting with the whole High Street team at Stockton should be a minimum.

 

o   Awareness of funding to support town centre safety: Yarm Business Forum was not aware of any such funding opportunities.

 

o   Future priorities to make Yarm as welcoming and safe as possible: Removal of unsightly and unsafe bins on side streets (Central Street in particular), more regular PCSO / enforcement visibility and visits during daytime, reliable car parking machines, and improved car parking signage were highlighted.

 

Reflecting on the information provided, Committee observations included support for the concerns around poor signage into and within the town centre (meaning visitors to Yarm were often unaware of the long-stay car park), and highlighted the lack of existing enforcement despite the forthcoming introduction of parking charges.  In terms of parking capacity, the Manager of Stockton BID added that it was important that businesses ensured their own staff did not use spaces intended for customers.

 

The SBC Assistant Town Centres Development Officer stated that ASB and shoplifting were the main issues being raised by traders, and also noted the challenges in getting businesses to engage with wider initiatives given how busy they were.  Stockton BID reiterated its links with the Borough’s other business forums / groups which included the sharing of best practice, whilst the strong partnerships between the Council and local business representatives (involving regular engagement, innovative ideas, and compassionate solutions) was emphasised – co-working which was playing its role in falling recorded crime and ASB rates.

 

·         Norton Business Forum: No response was received from Norton Business Forum.  The SBC Assistant Town Centres Development Officer noted the recent developments in relation to Norton’s public realm – the impact of this, including on businesses, would become clearer in the coming months.

 

SBC ADULTS, HEALTH AND WELLBEING

 

The Committee had previously been made aware of work undertaken to make the Borough’s town centres more welcoming for those with dementia and their families / carers.  Representatives from the SBC Adults, Health and Wellbeing directorate were therefore invited to provide further details, and a report outlining the Dementia-Friendly Plus project was subsequently submitted for consideration.  Summarised by the SBC Community Link Worker, information included:

 

·         Originally a joint-initiative between SBC and Stockton BID (which had subsequently been widened to other parts of the Borough by the Council), there were now over 200 businesses accredited as dementia-friendly involving a vast range of organisations and traders across public, private and voluntary sectors.  Each business underwent an annual / bi-annual review to show its sustainability – the initial application form was reviewed by various groups of people with lived experience, and feedback was delivered to the business verbally by the SBC Community Link Worker at the review (or before if possible).

 

·         Examples of support or pledges given back to the community by businesses for those living with dementia and their loved ones included various drop-ins hosted by businesses / groups (with Council and often police representatives present to relay relevant information), music and dance events across all six of the Borough’s towns (providing further networking opportunities), and dementia-friendly accredited sporting facilities / clubs (supporting both physical and mental health) and care homes (with care at home providers now embarking on this using Skills for Care guidelines).

 

·         Feedback provided to businesses often reinforced their good practice but also explained why an issue may have arisen.  It was allowing traders to maintain their customer base for longer and encouraging people to remain shopping or being entertained / dined with them for longer too (emphasising the benefits of getting more people into town centre spaces, and for a greater length of time, rather than businesses viewing each other as competition, was also a key point to get across).  Feedback was very evident from people living with this condition that welcoming spaces and a variety of activities, accessible shops and a good customer service was being created, with an increased understanding of dementia and customer needs.

 

·         Groups involving and representing those living with dementia had discussed plans for the ongoing Stockton waterfront developments, with comments relayed to the SBC Town Centres Improvement Manager – these were provided for the Committee’s information (supplementing the report submitted for this meeting) and drew attention to issues such as visual considerations (contrast, colour, font size, etc.) within design concepts, signage requirements (and where this was not needed), and perceptions for those with dementia which can differ from how the general population sees their surroundings.

 

·         Transport had always been voiced as a problem.  Working with the SBC Licensing Team, there was now a mandatory requirement for licensed drivers to be a ‘dementia friend’.  Efforts to work with bus-provider, Arriva was also being undertaken, though they were proving harder to engage.

 

·         The dementia-friendly Stockton sticker was seen as a safe place – when observed on shop windows, or on licensed drivers’ cabs and police cars, there was a degree of comfort.  Work was undertaken with the Borough’s ‘warm welcome’ initiative to try to make all spaces dementia-friendly.

 

·         In conclusion, from the point of view of people living with dementia, their carers, and local businesses, the Borough was certainly welcoming, although some places were better than others.  Staff awareness sessions enabled businesses to look at what people with dementia can do rather then what they cannot, and it was soon recognised that change did not always carry a cost (small adjustments often being the most beneficial).

 

Praising the work undertaken in relation to this initiative, the Committee encouraged the promotion of what had been achieved, and the benefits it had brought, across all six of the Borough’s town centres.  Continuing to educate businesses was a key element in improving town centre experiences for people with dementia and their families / carers.

 

AGREED that the information provided by local business forums / groups and the SBC Adults, Health and Wellbeing directorate be noted.